This round up of the latest green roof news covers the last four days. There were lots of stories and blogs on green roofs from around the world. But our choice takes us from Jerusalem, to Ottawa to the Temple and finally to the Thatch.
Our favourite story of the week - and likely to be of the month.
'Soil from the Jerusalem area was placed on the roof of the research centre and planted with bulb plants that can store large amounts of water, such as asphodels, squills and Hyacinth squills.'
All local - we are into local at the Livingroofs news desk.
There are no details of what the soils were (!) but we sense it was just 'soil' - nothing tecky. The use of squills and other bulbs we like too, as our 'director and founder' has recently been in various mediterranean countries and thinks that these sort of plants are where it is at for green roofs in the hot dry climates of the mediterranean. And elsewhere for that matter.
And the green roofers of Jerusalem are close to our hearts -they are into biodiversity:
"Open areas in cities are disappearing; green roofs can provide a comfortable habitat for various kinds of flora and fauna...there are already insects, such as ladybugs and spiders as well as several species of reptile, including one snake species.'
Snakes!! Well we are not so keen on those!
But seriously.
Livingroofs evolved out of an interest in nature conservation. It is always reassuring to see architects, designers and green roof people embrace and take these issues seriously.
And furthermore, they are ambitous..
''We're looking for more roofs that can be transformed into living roofs, including that of the Knesset."
The Funky Eco-friendly Retreat
This funky green roof Italian designed retreat 'Stay-grounded' is full of all things eco. In fact we were a bit bamboozled with all the technology. What we particular enjoyed was that, although essentially the standard green 'grass' approach to colouring in the green roofs, at least there were a few fluttering butterflies to add a sense nature. The absence of birds singing in the trees is probably down to the ubiquitous cat prowling across the lawns. Ah well! We also liked the trees. Whether the trees and butterflies are native 'wherever' the place is panned, is another matter.
But boy is it funky.
A new retirement home in the heart of Cedar Rapids is now home to over 21 species of sedums, along with the elderly residents. One of the largest green roofs in Iowa this should keep the resident's cooler in summer and certainly provide a green focus downtown.
We really like the beauty of the pictures in this photo blog of a visit to the a green roof at Templer Ambler in Philadelphia. What is also great is that even in the autumn (fall) green roofs look great.
Whilst in Canada, Ottawa's Mayor is looking for a new City Act. The 'new' deal will include a requirement for green roofs.
We like Canada and are hoping to be invited by the High Commission to help out. The big honcho was last year. Hence the blatant plug!
From Stratford to Soho
We have to highlight these as the big chief has been getting into the news this week with a couple of blogs, one on dining birds on a Soho green roof and personal thoughts on the Olympics and green roofs.
He might pay us this month!
Although this is not a conventional green roof piece, the Livingroofs News Team particularly like the story of the Thatch. That is thatch moss to be precise. Leptodontium gemmascens is to be even more precise. OK we are getting a little too detailed but it likes to grow on reed or straw roofs. For centuries it was an abundant though overlooked - it was only discovered as a species in 1845 - little green gem, hanging out roofs without a threat in site ( well except the threat of a fire or two).
However with the advent of more tradtional methods of roofing and the 'sanitisation' process of roofing, the poor little moss suffered a real decline. A survey this year on buildings owned by the UK's National Trust found 1,000 specimens of the plant. Giving hope that this species may be able to revive it's fortunes. As long as the sanitisers are kept at bay.
